Although the album hasn’t been directly referred to by title in the pre-order text, various media appearances and press articles which surfaced over the course of this week have been referring to it as being named after the same song as the forthcoming tour – “Can’t Touch us Now”.

We feel that this is a fitting name for a band ahead of their peers in the pop pack, what with them being 11 albums into their career and still going from strength to strength.

All the information we’ve received so far points to between 10 and 13 tracks having already been completed and ready for album consideration.

Album work so far this year has taken place in the legendary Toe Rag Studios, under the supervision of Liam Watson, owner of the retro analogue establishment, and producer Clive Langer.

The 6-man band have been pumping out tracks in quick succession, using an approach that sounds similar to that used in the creation of those early albums. Equally, Toe Rag is where the Folgate album began before work was moved to more modern and elaborate premises.

Insiders who have heard snippets of the new tracks tell us that it’s all sounding great.

Naturally, we’ll have more news on this forthcoming release as soon as it surfaces.

Next, and while Dutch fans no doubt enjoyed last night’s performance at the Dauwpop Festival, we’ve been told that apparently a certain Mr. Thompson failed to show up. Why? He’d missed the plane!

Also, this week, the band revealed a whopping 13 new gig dates for the month of December. 11 of these take place in the UK as part of the Can’t Touch us Now tour, with a futher two being held in The Netherlands.

Naturally, details of all these gigs and more are in our Showtimes section, so let’s get this issue underway.

Enjoy the read,

Jon Young, Rob Hazelby, Simon Roberts, Paul Williams

 

 

SHOWTIMES

See below for all forthcoming Madness and Madness related gigs and events. If there’s something we’ve missed off or you feel should be added then please let us know.

 

Madness

June

Weds 8^th – 100 Club, Oxford St

Saturday 25^th – Glastonbury Festival, Main Stage

July

Saturday 30^th – Kendal Calling, Penrith http://www.kendalcalling.co.uk/information/ticket-info/

Sunday 31^st – Y Not Festival, Matlock
http://www.ynotfestivals.co.uk

August

Thursday 4^th – Edinburgh Corn Exchange * Sold Out *
More info at: http://m.whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk/event/028964-madness/

Friday 5^th – Edinburgh Corn Exchange
More info at: http://m.whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk/event/028964-madness/

Saturday 6^th –Tartan Heart Festival, Inverness, Scotland (headliners)
More info at www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk

Thursday 11^th – Cropredy Festival, Oxfordshire. First day headliner

Saturday 13th – Boom Town Fair – Winchester

Friday 19^th – Cyfartha Castle, Merthyr Tydfil
http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/37005067CAE570E4?tpab=-1

Saturday 20^th – Titanic Belfast, Belsonic
http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Titanic-Belfast-tickets-Belfast/venue/461375

Monday 29^{th –} House of Common, Clapham Common
More info at: http://www.madness.co.uk/houseofcommon/

September

Sunday 4^th September -Jersey Live Festival, Jersey

Friday 30^th September – Sweden, Grona Lund Amusement Park

October

Saturday 1^st – Norway – Rockefeller Music Hall

Monday 3^rd – Germany – Berlin – Tempodrom

Tuesday 4th – Germany – Bochum – Ruhrcongress

November

Friday 18^{th –} Monday 21^st – Madness Weekender 6, Minehead

December

Thursday 1^st – Bournemouth – Can’t Touch us Now ** New **

Friday 2^nd – Cardiff – Can’t Touch us Now ** New **

Saturday 3^rd – Brighton – Can’t Touch us Now ** New **

Monday 5^th – Groningen, The Netherlands ** New **
http://www.de-oosterpoort.nl/programma/madness/

Tuesday 6^th – Tilburg, The Netherlands ** New **

Thursday 8^th – Newcastle – Can’t Touch us Now ** New **

Friday 9^th – Sheffield – Can’t Touch us Now ** New **

Saturday 10^th – London – Can’t Touch us Now ** New **

Monday 12^th – Nottingham – Can’t Touch us Now ** New **

Tuesday 13^th – Bridlington – Can’t Touch us Now ** New **

Thursday 15^th – Glasgow – Can’t Touch us Now ** New **

Friday 16^th – Manchester – Can’t Touch us Now ** New **

Saturday 17^th – Birmingham – Can’t Touch us Now ** New **

Can’t Touch us Now tickets from: http://www.gigsandtours.com/tour/madness/

Suggs

July

16th  – Henham park Suffolk

Latitude Festival  – Late night at sunrise  (DJ set alongside Mike Skinner Tonga)

https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/suggs-1

 

The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra

July

Friday 22^nd, Hampton Pool Picnic, Supporting The Selecter * Sold Out *

August

Thursday 18^th, Newham Free Festival

November

House of Fun Weekender

 

Rhoda Dakar

June

Saturday 18th – 100 Club London

(Also appearing at The London International Ska festival, Glastonbury, & European festivals this year)

 

The Silencerz

June

Friday 10^th Bull Theatre, Barnet (note, this does not list Lee Thompson as appearing)

The band have also recently set up their own Twitter account. Follow @The_Silencerz

 

 

BUY IT

Deluxe edition of The Lone Ranger.

https://www.discogs.com/Suggs-The-Lone-Ranger/release/8172245

A Deluxe Edition release of Suggs’ first solo album “The Lone Ranger”.

Originally released in 1995 this much requested reissue is the most comprehensive collection available of the original album and all the related bonus material.

Other bonus material includes the b/sides – ‘Bedazzled’, ‘Animal’, ‘When You Came’ and ‘I Feel Good’. The CD booklet features the original artwork, a UK Discography, lyrics of the original album tracks all in a 16 page colour booklet.

Out now!

http://www.recordstore.co.uk/recordstore/recordstore/The-Lone-Ranger-Deluxe-Edition/54070000000?utm_campaign=suggs-lone-ranger&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter

Buy it if you don’t have the original classic album or want those original collected B-sides together or if you want Suggs to consider another solo album in future support this release, but if you want it for all the remixes please stop taking E and consult a doctor. Some were as dreadful as the Macarena.

 

Dance Crazy – The Best of Specialized Ska Live

A little nod and appreciation as we at Specialized celebrate the 35th birthday in 2016 of the 2Tone movie & soundtrack “Dance Craze”

This album Features original acts & covers bands paying respects to the Dance Craze phenomenon.

All recorded live.

The same song as Dance Craze by new bands 35 years on. (Including live covers of Madness) pre order now £10 (£2.50 p&p)

http://www.specializedproject.co.uk/shop/

 

 

SIGN OF THE TIMES                               

Suggs Talks to Becky Want – BBC Manchester

One Hour 44 minutes starts .  Second part at 2 hours 13.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03v08y0

Can’t Touch Us Now.  It’s the title of one of the songs says Suggs.  “The title is a slight taunt to anyone who thought we wouldn’t last nearly 40 years.”

“Christmas is very Madness, We get office parties and everything, people get Madness. Always a great show.” Suggs talks about the live Madness show and tour.

Have you got creaking joints?

“Yeah you are right, I worry about my knees, but given the abuse my body gets before and after a gig, the aerobic exercise I get onstage is the best thing that happens to me.” 

Suggs talks about The Farm, Cecilia, and his work outside the band. And taking Live Madness Seriously.

Suggs talks about his One Man Show.  Mentioning Shepards Bush.  He says “Sadly the roof fell in so I’ve got one more to do. It’s a never ending life story”.

Suggs talks about chart rigging, and finding the shops that used to be used compile charts, including The Farm being dropped ten places. Pre computer era.

After the news. Suggs Talks Glastonbury. “My wife doesn’t go, I’m over all that, I’m not 18 she says. And she says you’re not Suggs. I say I am for that weekend. My kids and everyone goes.  The body doesn’t bounce back, but you pay the time for the crime” 

Suggs talks about It Must Be Love being near the end of the set and how special it is live. As a song and sentiment.

Suggs talks about Mourinho moving to Manchester United. “Inevitably I hate him then”. This fades into It Must Be love.

Jonathan Young

 

 

MIS FEATURE – COMMONERS AGAINST CANCER

Commoners Against Cancer, with DJ Lee Thompson

It’s three months until our Specialive event Commoners Against Cancer.

August 28th Dublin Castle. Camden.  Noon till late.

Our afternoon line up of entertainment starts Noon Sharp with Mr Lee Thompson Specialized Ambassador opening with a DJ Set.

We will be hearing tunes from Bite The Bullet the New Ska Orchestra album among other Ska choices.

He will be alongside Madness tour DJ Darren Bennett who will also be spinning discs in his own DJ Set.

We’ve live bands to announce, too. Here are just our afternoon acts.

MEZ AND THE FEZZEZ

Thrilled to be bringing Mez & The Fezzez to The Dublin Castle. As our opening band.

Fronted by drummer Mez known for his role in holding down the beat of Lee Thompsons Ska Orchestra, (and now fresh from a touch of Madness sessions too), you can now witness further talents in a tight team up of tune smiths purveying tracks in a Rhythm and Blues, Lounge Swing and 50’s rock n roll mode. Other Fez wearers in the band have hailed from Madness brass section, The Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra & The Si Cranstoun Band. With influences like The Markeys, The Champs, Prince Buster, and Billy Haley’s Comets, they add a touch of whimsy and frolic infectious as their choice of classic ear worms.

Appearing to warm us and themselves up before a major festival appearance the next day at Tinwood. We can’t wait to hear their vintage grooves.

INDEED 

I’m delighted to be importing for the afternoon French band “Indeed”.

They are appearing on this year’s Specialized album. One Heart. Covers of Bob Marley. Indeed will be performing their cover of “Crisis”.

They have a light and refreshing sound ranging from lullaby stylings to new wave pop that’s a perfect afternoon discovery if you are unfamiliar with them from their appearances also on the Specialized Mad not Cancer album, and a previously praised (by Suggs) appearance on the 30th tribute album to Madness. When they performed with MIS at the third House of fun Weekender, I likened Emilee the lead singer’s vocals to that of the Cardigans. Let Indeed Warm you with indoor sunshine before our more energetic rhythms of our evening bands take over.

….

The full line up including our evening bands and more DJ’s, will be announced early next month.

This Specialive event is already a mad meet of over 100 heads. Who have all contributed and donated to teenage cancer trust raising over £1,000 so far, and their entry wristbands are waiting for them to enjoy the day.

If you haven’t been in touch with us and donated. You can’t come and join the entertainment. There won’t be sales on the door.

The remaining 50 wristbands are on sale very shortly in early June. Get in touch now. Once they are gone, we won’t be able to squeeze another fezzhead through the door.

Email. OperationMIS@Outlook.com

Jonathan Young

 

 

I REMEMBER WAY BACK WHEN       

This week, MIS co-editor Rob Hazelby, goes back in time to report on what was going on in the world of Madness 5 years, 10 and 15 years ago this week.

5 years ago…

Issue Number 629 – Sunday 29^th May – Saturday 4^th June 2011

We began this issue by saying a big thank you to the one and only Jonathan Young. Why? Well, after seeing Suggs in Milton Keynes as part of his One Man Show, he’d journeyed home, then sat up till 4am compiling a review just so the MIS readership could get hold of the first write-up of the event.

Subscriber John Lawrence also managed to get along to see Suggs in Milton Keynes, and he was especially grateful to the MIS as he admitted that he wouldn’t have known about the event if it hadn’t been for us.

Although stating that there wasn’t much new for the Madness die-hards to learn he admitted that it was an enjoyable few hours spent in a more cultured way than moon-stomping in a concert field in the rain.

“And you could spot the die-hards – helping themselves to the posters

/ leaflets / anything Suggs throughout the venue during the interval.

8 out of 10”

Next, it was over to Union Square label manager, Holly Barringer, who was here with the latest news relating to Madness slowed-down version of Baggy Trousers as part of a forthcoming Kronenbourg advertising campaign.

Holly told us that the ad would be receiving its first airing at Saturday 4^th June at half time in the England V Switzerland match.

Further on in this issue we had press coverage of Suggs’ One Man Show and the forthcoming Kronenbourg advertising campaign, and then it was over to Woody who spoke to the Butlins Weekender Magazine about the forthcoming Madness Weekender in November.

We brought this issue of the MIS to a close with digital download links for the new slowed-down version of Baggy Trousersm, which would be available from the 6^th June.

10 years ago…

Issue 369 – Sunday 28^th May to Saturday 3^rd June 2006

We began this week’s issue with the sad news that on Thursday 25^th of May the legendary Desmond Dekker passed away at his London home.

Madness, paid their own tribute to Mr. Dekker by displaying a photo of the icon on the news section of their web site. Underneath were the words “Desmond Dekker – an inspiration”. We couldn’t agree more.

Laurence Cane-Honeysett, of Trojan.com said;

“It is difficult to convey just how important Desmond was in the successful globalization of Reggae. Between 1967 and 1970, he notched up a series of international hit singles that introduced the music of Jamaica to an international      audience and established him as a household name around the world.

Yet despite this, he always remained a humble, unassuming man, never one to crow about his success or complain about the subsequent lack of recognition for his achievements.”

Dekker’s manager Delroy Williams said;

“Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not.

When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley – he paved the way for all of them.”

On a much jollier note, this issue brought with it news that the excellent Chas Smash web site was back open for business once again.

To save you the rummaging around the site in an effort to find out what was new or re-used, we’d been over there already, and were able to give you a lowdown on a number of items of interest.

Next, it was over to the downloads section of the MIS Online web site where we announced that rips of the six-part TV series, Disappearing London, were now available for download. Little did we know that the MIS team would shortly be hearing from the TV company’s lawyers, requesting the rips be taken down… or else.

Half a decade after our law suit threat the series finally became available on DVD!

We then moved over to Jonathan Young and Chris Carter-Pegg, who must have spent many hours putting together and documenting their self penned ‘Madness – The London Collection’. This compilation, which you’d need to put together yourselves, consisted of the following tracks;

MADNESS – THE LONDON COLLECTION

NUTTY THEME

DECEIVES THE EYE

SHADOW OF FEAR

DISAPPEAR

DAY ON THE TOWN

PRIMROSE HILL

1. SPEAKER GETS THE WORD

CALLING CARDS

DRIVING IN MY CAR

VICTORIA GARDENS

ONE BETTER DAY

MAD NOT MAD

BURNING THE BOATS

LOVESTRUCK

JOHNNY THE HORSE

DRIP FED FRED

LOLA

DREADER THAN DREAD

We brought this issue of the MIS to a close with the news that on Saturday 16th September Bristol’s very own ‘Communicators’ were headlining at Camden’s Dublin Castle.

Band member ‘Mossy Boy’ told us that;

“An evening of Madness, Beat, Specials & Ian Dury inspired mayhem is guaranteed”.

He also suggested the idea of holding a mini Mad Meet to coincide with the event. This certainly sounded like an ideal opportunity for the Madness fanbase to get together, have a few beers, catch up, and finish off with a ruddy good knees-up.

15 years ago…

Issue 107 – Sunday 27th May to Saturday 2^nd June 2001

While the fanbase hoped and prayed for a Madstock 5 announcement, we decided to get this issue underway with gig news for Madness tributes Complete Madness, One Step Behind, Badness, Utter Madness and The Los Palmas 6.

OK, so the above may not have been the real thing, but if you wanted your live Madness fix then any of these tribute outfits would have more than made you happy.

It was over to co-editor Simon Roberts, next, as he reported on the possible demolition of key areas in Camden Town, to make way for the expansion of the Camden Town Tube station.

Simon finished by saying;

“The likes of the Electric ballroom, the shrines of Rock-on and Holts’ may disappear into memories.

Lest not forget, The birthplace of Madness into the heady world of so called ‘pop music’

The once Walt Jabsco poster strewn ‘ 2-Tone’ offices above Holt’s shoe shop.

Not only the start of Madness but the 2nd wave of SKA

The revolution that changed all our lives.

They can`t knock it down”

We passed things over to Mountain Boy for the next article, as he revealed that Mark Adamson had updated the Madness Blackpool Weekender web site with news of more items for the auction, a list of fancy dress ideas, plus a list of who was going to the event.

The other great news (for those who managed to get in on the act) was that the event was now completely full.

With that done and dusted, we went back to Simon Robers, who reported on a special version of the ‘Wonderful’ album that was currently in the jukebox of The Dublin Castle pub, and not available anywhere else.

What was so glorious about this album? Here was the tracklisting:

1. Lovestruck
2. Johnny the Horse
3. The Communicator
4. 4AM
5. The Wizard
6. Drip Fed Fred
7. Going to the Top
8. Elysium
9. Saturday Night, Sunday Morning
10. If I didn’t Care
11. No Money
12. Round and Round
13. Your Wonderful
14. Maddley
15. I was the one
16. Dreaming man
17. Light of the Way
18. We want Freddie

*Bonus Track!*

19. Money Money Money

Wood Green Pete was the author of the next article, as he emailed us to say that he thought it was about time (on the advice of Swanny no less) that he paid a visit to the weekly ska night “Gaz’z rockin’ blues” at the St Moritz, 151 Wardour St in Soho.

If anyone else was interested in going along (and he suggested taking the next day off work cos it ran until about 3am, and according to Swanny doesn’t get interesting until late) then you were urged to let him know off-list.

We finished off this week’s issue with the news that Suggs had joined the battle against the Camden Town redevelopment, and to save the famous Camden Town Tube Station. If you wanted to join in, we even printed the details of the consultation manager for the development, so you could have your say.

Rob Hazelby

MIS FEATURE – DO THE DOG SKAZINE

Coming soon is Issue 82 of the world’s longest running Ska publication, Do The Dog Skazine.

Once again we have collected together all the latest Ska news & reviews from around the globe for your reading pleasure.

Inside issue 82 you will find stuff on: Subject A, Babyhead, Spunge, Junior Bill, The FreeDub Press, New Town Kings, The Flowerdews, Madness, Mighty Vipers, Sonic Boom 6, The Specials, Culture Shock, The Downsetters, Suggs, Pama International, the Bradford Ska Festival, The Selecter, And The Wasters, The Skints, RedEyed Jedi, Cabstars, The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra, The Simmertones, By The Rivers, Pokemon Liberation Army, Faintest Idea, Aggressors BC, Cartoon Violence, The Defekters, Buster Shuffle, Stef Tej & Ejectes, Joe Scholes, The Hacklers, Pyrotechnist, No Sports, This Is Ska Festival, Toulouse Skanking Foundation, Middle Volga Social Club, The Rifffs, The Branlarians, The Crombies, Satelite Kingston, The Slackers, The Aggrolites, Gigantes Magneticos, Rude Boy George, The West Kensingtons, Skaville Japan Festival, The Abruptors, Oreskaband, Asian Man Records, The Freecoasters, Big D & The Kids Table, Desorden Publico, The Pomps, Seven Thirty Seven,The Spy Maker, Eric Daino, Soul Radics & Rocksteady Sporting Club!

How To Subscribe To Do The Dog Skazine:

For a 4 issue subscription to Do The Dog Skazine in the UK send £5.00 (cheque payable to Do The Dog Music) along with your name & address to: Do The Dog Music, 65 Blackdown Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 3FY.

You can also pay for a UK subscription online by sending £5.00 via Paypal to dothedogmusic@yahoo.co.uk & including “Do The Dog Skazine subscription” in the message section of your order.

To subscribe for 4 issues from Europe send 10.00 GBP (UK currency) via Paypal to dothedogmusic@yahoo.co.uk & include “Do The Dog Skazine subscription” in the message section of your order.

To subscribe for 4 issues from the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan or any other Overseas country send 12.00 GBP (UK currency) via Paypal to dothedogmusic@yahoo.co.uk & include “Do The Dog Skazine subscription” in the message section of your order.

 

 

TIME…

That’s just about it for this issue, but we do have a few last minute snippets to pass in your direction.

First-up, and we’ve received a heads-up from subscriber Danny Mooney, who emailed in to tell us that he’s currently auctioning his painting of Madness on Hastings Pier in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.

Michael told us;

“For the last 3 years I have been making at least one iPad painting every day, in addition to my studio work.

This means that my iPad paintings become a documentary record of what I’ve been doing every day. Sometimes I like to take this ‘documentary painting’ further by painting a scene that is more obviously reportage. Hence the re-opening of Hastings Pier, and painting Madness’ gig”

The image was created with an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, and is presented as a one-off, 39 x 50.66 cm, unique, un-framed, archival quality giclée print.

The auction runs until just before 8:00pm (UK time) Bank Holiday Monday, and can be found at:

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/331863275470?_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649&_mwBanner=1

And finally, before we go we end with the news that on the the 26^th the band staged a small secret gig in Indigo at the O2. We’ve also been told that “Rag and Bone Man” may not make the forthcoming album as “It’s a bit old”.

We’ll have to see until later in the year as to whether the song makes the album cut or not, but regardless, a certain Mr. Bedford was quoted that night as saying “the new album sounds like us”.

We’d expect nothing less!

Until next week, take care,